DETROIT -- As much as Kirk Maltby still loves hockey, is he prepared to play in the minors again? Is he willing to be separated from his family, take long bus trips and play three games in three days on weekends?

That is the decision Maltby is struggling with as he decides whether to report to the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins or retire after playing in 1,072 NHL games and winning four Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings.

Maltby, 37, cleared waivers Wednesday. He will meet with Red Wings general manager Ken Holland on Thursday after discussing his future with his wife, agent and close friends on the team.

“When you’ve played (908) games in a Red Wing uniform, it’s a tough decision for him,’’ Holland said. “So I want him to make sure. I said to him today, ‘When you retire, it’s forever.’ I want to make sure he gets all the time necessary to make his decision.’’

Kris Draper spoke to Maltby on Wednesday but said his long-time Grind Line linemate gave no indication of what he will do.

“This is certainly a tough time for a professional athlete,’’ Draper said. “The one thing we realize is we’re all going to be in this situation, some guys sooner than later.

“I reached out to him, and (goaltender Chris Osgood) has, too, if he needs ideas or thoughts.’’

“Based upon what I saw in training camp, he’s still got some hockey left in him,’’ Holland said. “When you retire, it’s forever. If you still got a chance to play, make sure there’s no regrets, and then you move on.

“(Former Red Wing Chris Chelios) was just talking about how happy he is that he played last year in Chicago (AHL) and Atlanta. He knows it’s over, there’s nothing left in the tank. But everyone has to make their own decision, based on your career, your family, the fire that might burn or doesn’t burn within.’’

Maltby signed a one-year, two-way contract last month. With an AHL salary of $105,000, he is exempt from re-entry waivers, so the Red Wings could recall him freely if they have a long-term injury.

“Ideally, what will happen is Malts will get an opportunity to play for us, continue to be part of the organization and be part of a long playoff run in the spring,’’ Babcock said.